The decision to detox from drugs or alcohol is a courageous step in the right direction. However, completing detox is not the conclusion of the process – it is only the beginning. The real challenge is staying clean. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that addiction is a “relapsing brain disease”. Relapse prevention is a difficult, but necessary part of long-term recovery. Fortunately, drug testing exists as an effective combatant against relapse. Relapse prevention is the primary reason for drug testing after detox.
MD Home Detox offers home drug testing and monitoring to help keep those in recovery honest and to help their loved ones feel at ease. The test is administered twice a week by a private nurse.
The benefits of drug testing
Accountability
The prospect of regular drug testing has shown a significant reduction of the risk of relapse – the fear and shame of being caught are too great. Operant conditioning is a learned behavior based on consequences. Those in recovery will be less likely to use again if they know their family will find out and impose consequences (e.g. loss of financial support, conflict, etc.) While addiction recovery is a lot more complex than simple abstinence, abstinence is the hallmark of recovery. Encouraging abstinence is one of greatest benefits of drug testing after detox.
Less family conflict
Family members tend to be on edge upon after detox. The best way to begin earning back their trust is to stay sober. Building trust is another benefit of ongoing drug testing. Using drugs or alcohol during this time will no doubt cause conflict. Many people in early recovery will occasionally exhibit the same behaviors as an actively using addict. Everyone has mood swings and bad days. Having the affirmation provided by a drug test can help distinguish whether an obscure behavior is due to relapse or simply a bad day.
Privacy and convenience
At-home drug testing is private and confidential. This is important to people who don’t want to run the risk of making a public spectacle out of being drug tested. The drug test is administered by a private nurse, sent to the lab, and results are delivered in a timely manner. This can help diffuse conflicts and ambiguity quickly. At-home drug testing can also more affordable than going to a laboratory.
Home Drug Testing & Monitoring
Home drug tests can be purchased at local drugstores or online – they are readily available. However, they present complications that we’ll discuss shortly. Some addiction treatment centers will even send clients home with them. At-home drug tests can detect most common drugs (e.g. marijuana, cocaine, opiates, etc.). Over-the-counter home drug testing kits are administered through collecting urine or saliva.
When testing yourself or a loved one, it is important to be aware of any medications that you or your loved one has been prescribed. Some medications can make a drug test come up as positive. In rare cases, eating poppy seed bagels frequently can cause someone to test positive for opiates.
At-home drug tests are not 100% accurate. Drug tests most commonly fail to detect oxycodone, hypnotic drugs, and sedatives. Vitamins and antibiotics can even trigger false-positive results. Additionally, results can easily be falsified by an addict not ready to stay sober. For this reason, it is best to have an objective, accurate drug testing in your home. Our drug tests are administered by medical professionals and sent to a lab to detect any substances in the system. This includes alcohol.
MD Home Detox
Contact MD Home Detox if you or a loved are in need of addiction treatment services. We come to you so that you are able to heal in the comfort and privacy of your own home. We specialize in home detox, drug testing, private nursing, and intervention services.